Latest media alerts: Seven and SCA warn on ‘meaningful guidance’

After Nine, oOh!media, Prime Media, and Crocmedia reported to the ASX on the impact of market conditions on their businesses last week, Seven and SCA have now also reacted.

Seven has withdrawn its FY20 guidance, given with a number of caveats, just last month.

Due to the escalating uncertainty relating to COVID-19, a material fall in advertising market activity, and the suspension or postponement of productions and events, Seven West Media’s visibility into future advertising bookings is now insufficient to provide meaningful earnings guidance for the remainder of FY20, said the company in a statement released by the board.

The remainder of the statement said:

The AFL has announced the suspension of all games until the end of May 2020. While the International Olympic Committee’s (“IOC”) current position is that Tokyo 2020 is scheduled to proceed, the IOC has stated they are exploring a postponement scenario and the Australian Olympic Committee (“AOC”) and other national bodies have been more definite about a date change. There is no decision as at the date of this release but one is expected shortly.

Such postponements are likely to result in rights payments by SWM being pushed back to reflect the revised scheduling; any adjustments remain subject to negotiation. However, postponements may also incur cancellation costs from underlying suppliers.

Likewise, local productions are also facing challenges with travel restrictions and COVID-19 issues, and our teams are working tirelessly to deliver on commitments.

SWM has contingency measures in place to respond to such challenges. Over the last two weeks the company initiated its business continuity plans, establishing remote working for the majority of staff, to ensure the safety and well-being of its employees and minimal disruption to operations.

Despite these challenging conditions, the company remains focused on executing its key strategic priorities outlined at its interim financial results including transforming the business and working down debt ahead of scheduled maturities in November 2021 and 2022.

Southern Cross Austereo (SCA), has gone into a trading halt at the request of the national TV and radio broadcaster. The company has requested the halt ahead of an announcement about its trading conditions.

The SCA trading halt came after two major investors – Ubique Asset Management and Allan Gray Australia – have increased their shareholdings in the company. The investors now each hold close to 15% of the business.